Toxic: An Illustrated Dark Fantasy Romance

by Gigi Zarbi

Being born a Seer was the worst; like being trapped in a movie theatre without having a say in what played on screen. Echo Sage wanted a refund. After impatiently waiting four years to meet his soulmate–a human trapped on dystopian Earth, one which had been revealed to him by his Seer gifts–fate stole her away...

And that's only the beginning.

This dark romantic fantasy tale is toxic from start to finish.

***

This book takes place sixteen plus years after Fated Frenzy; although the two are connected, this is a standalone.

Intended for 18+ audiences.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 4, 2026

About the author

Gigi Zarbi writes spicy romances that are packed with laughs–although, proceed with caution and check the content warnings, as faer stories can sometimes be dark too. Being a visually driven libra, all of faer works are illustrated in-text by insanely talented human artists. When fae aren't writing, Gigi is typically hanging out with faer three dogs or snapping photos.

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

A seer and a human get it on, but things get wild. Echo is like the ultimate clinger - the dude needs to chill. His blood pressure is probably through the roof. Sira's got major self-esteem issues - she's a total catch, but doesn't know it. This book is straight-up toxic, but I'm here for it. Someone call a therapist, right now and send them here! I'm weirdly obsessed with this unhinged book. Give it a read.

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toxic by Gigi Zarbi was such a cute and enjoyable read. I loved how easy it was to get into, the story wasn’t confusing at all and I was hooked right from the start.

The FMC and MMC were absolutely adorable, and the yearning between them was so good. I also really appreciated that both characters go through real struggles throughout the book, and that it doesn’t shy away from heavier topics. Seeing what they each faced honestly made me root for them even more.

I loved the way the author described the different worlds we see throughout the story and how thoughtfully the family dynamics were written. I also really liked the use of Farsi and Italian with the meanings included at the start of the book, which added depth without ever feeling confusing.

Overall, this was such a heartfelt read and I really enjoyed it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW|

3.5 ⭐️

It kept my attention throughout, probably because it was lighthearted and there was spice every 2 chapters 😂

The plot however felt a little weak to me. I can't pinpoint where it lost me. It was a fast-paced story, maybe a little too fast-paced?

Echo fell in love through his visions of Sira; granted, they were fated mates, but she was a little too accepting of the magical world for me when they met. It made it a little… unrealistic?
And then they were like rabbits almost immediately 😂

Sira had a lot of trauma, I wish we got to see more of her working through it instead of us just jumping over those years

I was a teeny bit overstimulated reading this book 💀
It could probably be a good book slump cure to be honest

I had high hopes I wish it had been executed a little better

[iNeedROMANCE · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Such a good, fast paced romance! I loved their relationship honestly, even with all the trials and tribulations they had to go through. I would say that this book wasn’t toxic more so traumatic and learning to heal from betrayal of parents. They also learned more about themselves together than they did while apart! I loved the character growth as well! Sira and Echo deserved so much more from their parents and I really connected with that! I also really appreciate all of the brown/black characters as it’s hard finding books about us! It was very good. This was the 1st book I ever read from this author and I look forward to reading more! Thank you for allowing to be an ARC reader.

[Angelbelle Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the early copy. All opinions are my own

Fate has granted a bond between human FMC Sira and Seer/Phoenix Echo, but unfortunately between laws, contracts, and meddling outsiders the two are fighting to stay together

Imagine your fated is a seer and the visions he gets of you is the type of p*rn you watch 😫😭 doomed lol don’t even know her name but knows her “interests” 💀😂

But Gigi I’m gonna cuss you out lol not completely but a few choice words are coming 🤭 because why did you put my babies through that 😭

Sira and Echo are probably two of the sweetest characters you’ll read but just like with most of us, life experiences and traumas have a way of changing and molding. Even with everything going on though neither of them stopped loving the other for even a second, and that love was felt over time and distance 💕

If you’re searching for a heartbreaking yet hopeful read pick up a copy of Toxic

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by LoveNotes PR in exchange for honest review.

On his twentieth birthday, immortal seer Echo is preparing to meet the mortal woman he has been having visions of for four years, Sira. He knows she is his soulmate, and he can't bear to wait another second - so he breaks through the barrier between the worlds illegally, ready to bring her back home with him. She is instantly as infatuated with him as he is with her, and leaves willingly. But their happiness is short-lived when Echo's parents intervene, sending Sira back to Earth with the advice that they can meet again when they are 30. But their decision condemns Echo and Sira to six years of horror and pain. Will they ever find each other again? Can they both heal from the trauma they've suffered?

Toxic is a book that leaves you frenetically turning pages, and upon reaching the end, wishing you'd savoured it for a little longer. I wish it had been a longer book, as there was so much opportunity for further drama and intrigue - but I loved it nonetheless. It is fated mates meets meddling gods, two lots of differently toxic parents, mythical creatures, the destruction of a tyrannical regime and spice.

Echo is a geeky 20 year old when we first meet him, utterly obsessed by this woman on Earth he has seen visions of, incredibly frustrated (if you get my drift 😉) and prepared to break all the rules of his world to get to her. His family unit is unusual in that he has a Dad, a Father and a Mum, as well as his younger sister, who until this point has been the one everyone would have expected to do something illegal. The moment he sets eyes on Sira, he knows he's done the right thing. He takes her back to his home on Uru, but as passion spills over, his Dad and Father arrive, intending to send Sira back home without her memories. What they aren't aware of is that the psychic tether between Echo and Sira has already been formed. They can each feel the other's pain, hear their thoughts and be aware of what they are dreaming of. Echo has to face the punishment for breaking the laws of his Immortal universe, and ends up sacrificing two years of his time in service to Dread, a horrific Titan who hopes to see him die. His rage and fury towards anyone who gets in between him and Sira are absolute - even family members are not exempt, particularly his Dad and Father.

Sira lives in a post WW3 era (caused by an "orange dictator") America, where a once rich nation is destroyed and life is once again segregated between white and people of colour. She is an Iranian immigrant, daughter of a mother and father who treat her appallingly. She spends her time reading, restoring books, volunteering at a hospice, desperately dreaming of escaping Atlanta and heading for one of the free states, and watching spicy things on the internet. She attends her prom at the insistence of her sister, the only person she feels any sense of closeness to, but she is prepared to hate every second. When Echo knocks on her window, her life immediately looks up. Despite her "sad girl" life so far, she is sparky and has the awareness that this is something she deserves, and an opportunity for a far better life. The incredible bond between them has her agreeing to go with him despite her awareness of the things he is saying seeming unrealistic. But when she is returned to Atlanta after her brief trip to Uru, she goes through absolute hell. For six years, she endures some of the most horrendous circumstances (please be aware of SA trigger warnings), along with her desperation to be reunited with Echo.

The ability of parents to be toxic to their children is visited repeatedly in this book. Sira's parents beat her, and when she is in the depth of depression following her separation from Echo, they claim she is drug addicted in order to shunt her to a therapy facility (where she endures SA and actual addiction to medication force fed to her). When she is returned to them after the facility runs out of funds, they have zero care for her. Echo's parents, whilst better meaning than Sira's, are unable to prevent themselves from intervening in what fate intends for Echo or Sira - a pattern that repeats several times before they understand that what they are doing is wrong and they need to step away. It almost feels like this could be a project of catharsis for Gigi Zarbi - it feels like a sense of understanding has been poured into the pages.

I adored how absolute the bond was between Echo and Sira. Even after six years apart with zero communication (just what they heard of each other's thoughts), there was no resentment or anger between them - just towards their respective parents. Their instant connection never wavered, even in the face of such adversity. Their recognition of each other's torment and suffering, and their abilities to make the other feel better gave me a lump in my throat. I'm an absolute sucker for fated mates, and this was a different yet no less beautiful version of that trope - and I love that.

This is open door spice, with kinks explored from the start, but it still feels like a 3🌶️ read to me.

I really enjoyed Toxic - it hooked me from the first chapter, with Echo so intent on finding the woman he's been having visions of. From that point on the story felt like it flew by - never any less exciting, through thick and thin. And that is the only reason I can't give it five stars - it was too short. It could have been developed more, built up more and been an absolute gut puncher of a novel. I absolutely loved it, it just felt like a missed opportunity to fully flesh out an incredible premise.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

[Alicia Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toxic: An Illustrated Dark Fantasy Romance is exactly what its title promises — intense, chaotic, sensual, and emotionally unhinged in a way that will either sweep you up or send you running. For me, it landed in the middle: compulsively readable, wildly imaginative, and deeply entertaining, but also uneven and occasionally overwhelming.

The book’s greatest strength is its commitment to voice. Echo’s narration is unapologetically obsessive, vulgar, and frantic, and the author never pulls back from that choice. Whether you love him or want to shake him, he feels fully realized. His fixation on Sira is visceral, messy, and often darkly funny, and the writing leans into that intensity with confidence.

Sira’s chapters add a welcome counterbalance. Her vulnerability, curiosity, and growing agency help ground the story, especially once the bond becomes more than lust and visions. I appreciated how she evolves into the emotional anchor, the one who can steady Echo when his instincts tip toward violence or panic.

The worldbuilding is intriguing, especially the Phoenix lore and the political stakes that emerge once Sira begins to shift. The supernatural elements feel fresh, and the domestic scenes: the beach house, the wings, the panic over the Council — give the story surprising warmth beneath the chaos.

That said, the book won’t be for everyone. The erotic content is extremely heavy upfront, and the pacing can feel abrupt as it swings between lust, danger, humor, and lore. Echo’s possessiveness, while intentionally part of the dark-romance appeal, sometimes crosses into territory that may feel uncomfortable or unexamined. The worldbuilding often comes in frantic bursts rather than gradual immersion. Despite the unevenness, I found myself invested. The chemistry is undeniable, the illustrations add atmosphere, and the emotional stakes deepen in satisfying ways. If you enjoy dark romance with supernatural flair, obsessive soulmates, and a narrative voice that refuses to behave, this book delivers exactly that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was given to me as an ARC Read
GiGi Zarbi really said, “You think you’re emotionally stable?” and then handed me Toxic. I went into this knowing I love everything she has written, but Echo and Sira? They took it to another level. From the very beginning I was unable to put it down. The story is easy to get hooked into, nothing feels confusing or overwhelming, and yet the emotional depth hits hard. That balance is not easy to pull off. Way to go GiGi
Let’s talk about Echo being a Seer for a second. Imagine knowing your soulmate before you ever meet her… knowing her interests, her struggles, pieces of her life. The irony of fate in this book is almost cruel. It’s intense, it’s obsessive, it’s a little unhinged in the best fictional way, and I loved every second of it.
But what makes this story work is that their love isn’t soft and easy. It’s tested. They go through trauma. They’re shaped by life, by pain, by distance, by things that would break most people. But the one constant is that they never stop loving each other. Not once.
But what really stood out to me was how GiGi doesn’t shy away from heavier topics. These characters struggle in very real ways, and instead of weakening the story, it made me root for them even harder. Their growth feels earned. Their happiness feels deserved. And those that know me know I loved how immersive the worlds felt. The dystopian elements, the family dynamics, the cultural details perfection.
This book is heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. I plan to add this to my collection along with GiGi’s other books that i love. Toxic lives up to its name… so use caution when you read it.

[Symone · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC Review* Echo, an immortal, sees visions of his mortal soulmate, Sira. But with her being across the universe, things are complicated, pushing Echo to do something he’s not supposed to, and that choice has consequences. These two endure so much, and the yearning and longing between them truly pulled at my heartstrings. 🥺

This was my first book by the author, so it was also my first time being introduced to characters from her previous books. While the worldbuilding was already established, the author thoughtfully included helpful information at the beginning for new readers, which I really appreciated.

The illustrations scattered throughout the book added visual depth and enhanced my connection to the story. Oh, and the spice was definitely there! It gets intense 😅. The main thing i wasn't a fan of was the time skipping. I wish it was formatted to where it didn't feel so rushed. But Overall, this was a very unique read.

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place 16–22 years after Fated Frenzy, we’re back in this wild universe and I am once again OBSESSED. Gigi’s artwork alone deserves five stars. Absolutely stunning every single time.

From the first few lines in Echo’s POV, I was cackling. Imagine being a seer and getting flashes of your mate in very… detailed situations. The man never stood a chance.

The six-year forced separation?? Criminal. I would absolutely spiral. I would be toxic too.

I love how each installment in this universe introduces new classifications and natures. The Phoenix. The Titans. Familiar faces popping back in. (Seeing favorites return always makes my heart so happy.)

The tension between Echo and Sira is feral in the best way. They keep trying to out-edge each other and fail spectacularly every time. And yes — the spice delivers.

Dark, chaotic, dramatic, and unhinged in all the right ways. Another addictive addition to this fantasy world.

[SmutForTwo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got an arc of this book.
Sira lives in a post-apocalyptic version of the United States that honestly felt a little too close to home while reading it. The new normal is destruction, dirt, barely surviving, and trying to eke out any source of happiness you can. Echo is a seer and rare Phoenix mage and has been seeing visions of Sira for years. He's finally able to go to her when they're both 20 and they have this instant connection. Sira is wary of him for being too clean but he’s also very enigmatic, charming and wholly devoted to her. They are swept together then pulled apart.
When Sira and Echo were at the forefront of the story, I really enjoyed it but it got a little muddled when Echo’s family appeared. Despite it being a standalone, I feel like some of the relationship nuance with Echo’s three parents, the Titans, was missing and made it less compelling.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but I liked the pacing of the rest of the book. I enjoyed the world building and was really drawn into the relationship between Sira and Echo but I’m not sure I’ll read more in this universe.

[Kiwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for signing up for this arc. I entered it without a clear understanding of what to anticipate.🪐⭐️

Now, let me delve into the review. While the story was enjoyable, I felt that it lacked depth and substance beyond mere physical attraction. I don’t mind the physical attraction, but I would have appreciated more information about Sira’s character and background before the action commenced. Additionally, I would have liked to explore the dynamics between Sira and Echo beyond their physical connection. If you’re a fan of interspecies romance, this book might be a good fit for you. It was certainly a unique reading experience, but it felt somewhat rushed.

[Misty Boozer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fantasy book I didn't know I needed to read what happens when you want to meet your soulmate your one true love that is meant for you because you're a phoenix and you know that you're bonded, but you're also a seer. So you've been seeing her in Your vision so when you meet her you're like a stage 5 Klinger. Will these two make it work or will she get her happily ever after with somebody else. Warning you there are a few trigger things so double check your triggers. This is a fantasy romance that is set in the future. I don't know how far in the future they were going for because I have a feeling world war 3 is not that far away especially if the world can't get their act together, but this book is set after world war 3. So like I said, it's a fantasy future fiction book.

[Nanoi Bocquaert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book a 3,5 (but that’s not possible with good reads) because I sometimes found it a bit difficult to follow the worlds. (This might be due to my lack of experience, as I haven't read any previous books by this author.) I found the beginning very fast-paced, but once the story became clear, I didn't feel it was going too fast. I really enjoyed the inclusion of photos or text in a few chapters, which added a nice touch to the story and immediately gave me a clear understanding of the author's perspective on the characters. I also appreciate how the more difficult, more taboo themes were addressed so beautifully in the book.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fated mates being stolen from each other. The horror

I’m not a fan of insta love but I always love a fated mates. They’re meant for each other and I love it.

Maybe they’re toxic. Maybe they’re just full of trauma and love. Either way they both forgive their parents waaaaaaay too easily.
That would be a grudge I would hold for all of my eternity!!!

Love love love a massive whimpering man!
Coulda gotten more subby with it !! lol

Sad girl gets an HeA and that’s all us sad girls want isn’t it !

And I always love the illustrations!


Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to arc read this novel

[Jasmine ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all I want to say thank you for the Arc.

Well I don’t quite know how I feel about this book, it felt a little bit rushed for me.. especially at the beginning.

I absolutely adored Echo & Sira together and how well compliment each other (character wise) I feel like the book highlighted a lot of strong - very real topics.

For me, maybe if the book was longer we could have had a bit more character and world building. (For me it lacked) I feel like this book could have had so much potential & an absolute great story line. But unfortunately it just didn’t do much for me.

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I’ve been meaning to read this author’s work for a while, and I knew exactly what I was signing up for when it said super spicy, and wow, it definitely delivered.

The character art was exceptional, and the story itself was interesting. I’ll admit, at first it felt a bit meh to me, but toward the end I found myself actually enjoying it more than I expected.

I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a short, dark romantasy read with plenty of spice.

This from the book,
'Fated doesn't mean perfect' 🤌

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s safe to say i love this world Gigi has created and this book is no exception! i loved these two and once i started reading could not put this book down. sure they’re toxic and obsessed but i love that in books 😂. the story moves fast because it’s instalove vibes, they go through & overcome some horrible things, the spice is spicy, fun and full of figuring out what they’re into anddddd you see some characters from other books which i loved! (you don’t haveeeee to read the other books first but you probably should or atleast add them to your tbr so you can enjoy the cameos)

[Dorisbookrecs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had fun reading this book and I enjoyed the illustrations as well as the overall story. However, this book felt too fast spaced at times or like we the audience were missing key elements of the story. I would have loved to see more of that inner dialogue through what Sira’s was going through. We also never knew what all her powers were. I might just be overthinking things; I still had a good time reading it and it did cure my reading slump so that’s a plus!

[jade ⋆₊˚ ᰔ · Rating 2 out of 5]

arc read ~ thank you Love Notes PR & Gigi Zarbi

I loved the concept of the world & the fated mates but this story was a miss for me

it jumped around way too much, every conflict was solved so quickly and onto another conflict within 10 pages. having so many conflicts with such a little resolution took away from the impact. overall the story just felt too rushed

[Ronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gigi said "Be warned, Sira is sad" and she told no lies. If you are looking for a sunshine girl, this one may not be your speed. I do love the introduction and evolution of the seeing first love story unfold. The heat doesn't disappoint and the story flows.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Toxic was my first book by Gigi Zarbi and I will definitely be diving into her other works. I liked the writing style and all of the artwork throughout the book. This was a totally different genre than I usually read so it was very refreshing. I loved Echo & Sira together, and I disliked other characters. I'll be curious to see what Gigi comes out with next.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echo and Sira are taking yearning a whole new level and I love it!

The timeline spans years and the payoff is sweet. There are secrets, suspense, and drama. If I could read this for the first time 1000 times I would be the happiest girl in the world 😩

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s just something about a Gigi book that hits all the right spots for me. It’s always good for pulling me out of a slump both book and emotional wise lol

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you how much I love this book!!!

And also when Gigi said Toxic!!! She definitely meant it !

This book was just amazing, definitely grab this book

[Angiewagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human and seer? Humm, an interesting couple.
Easy read, and great world building.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️